TUSCALOOSA, Alabama -- Alabama center Barrett Jones and linebacker Denzel Devall took one step closer toward playing in the BCS National Championship game by running on a treadmill, coach Nick Saban said after today's practice.

The goal, Saban said, is for both players to participate in five practices before the Jan. 7 showdown with Notre Dame.

"Depending on how that goes, they'll probably be able to practice next week. That's kind of the plan," Saban said. "It's day to day because they both need to make progress to be able to come back and play.

Alabama practices Friday and Saturday before a two-day respite. It will resume activities Tuesday before flying to Miami on Wednesday.

During today's open viewing portion of practice, Jones worked off to the side with strength and conditioning coach Scott Cochran. He wore a black, non-contact jersey and a boot on his sprained left foot while he worked through a variety of upper-body calisthenics.

Jones, who has vowed that he will be ready to play, had a cast on his foot last week. When he met with reporters Dec. 19, he said he was biking and swimming to stay in shape.

Devall, who sprained his knee during a practice earlier this month, worked off to the side with head trainer Jeff Allen during Thursday's viewing session. He saw action in all 13 games, amassing 17 tackles, three of which went for a loss.

Saban said he had no other updates on players who are working through injuries.